Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Dec 13th, 2024 4:00PM

The alpine rating is high, the treeline rating is high, and the below treeline rating is high. Known problems include Storm Slabs.

Avalanche Canada Avalanche Canada, Avalanche Canada

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Travel in avalanche terrain is not recommended. Natural and human-triggered avalanches are likely.

Summary

Confidence

High

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches have been reported this week, but avalanche activity is expected to increase as the snow piles up.

Snowpack Summary

Heavy snowfall will accumulate through Saturday.

The upper snowpack is likely a series of crusts with moist snow between. The lower snowpack is well-settled with no layers of concern.

Snow depths at treeline vary across Vancouver Island from 230 cm near Mt. Washington to 130 cm near Mt Cain. This current storm forecasts the highest precipitation amounts between Cambell River and Port Alberni.

Weather Summary

Friday night

Heavy snowfall, 20 to 40 cm of snow. 60 to 100 km/h south-southeast ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -2 °C.

Saturday

Continued snow, 30 to 60 cm. 50 to 90 km/h south ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -1 °C.

Sunday

Cloudy and unsettled. 40 to 60 km/h south ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -4 °C.

Monday

Flurries, 15 cm. 30 km/h south ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -1 °C.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Avoid avalanche terrain during periods of heavy loading from new snow, wind, or rain.
  • Watch for fresh storm slabs building throughout the day.
  • As the storm slab problem worsens, the easy solution is to choose more conservative terrain.

Problems

Storm Slabs

An icon showing Storm Slabs

Heavy snowfall accumulating with strong to extreme winds will build a widespread and reactive storm slab problem.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Likely - Very Likely

Expected Size

2 - 3

Valid until: Dec 14th, 2024 4:00PM

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